NEWS

The Quad’s rose garden holds a lot of wonderful memories for President Emeritus Dr. Dan Reneau and his wife Linda.

He tells the story that one day, Louisiana Tech University’s former First Lady Linda Reneau was gathering roses to decorate for an event at the President’s Home.

Reneau was working in the red rose bed that connects the Lady of the Mist with Howard Auditorium, one of the most striking areas in Tech’s Quad.

She was soon joined by a student who told her, “You know these roses belong to us,” meaning the University and its students. Reneau took the time to introduce herself to the young man and struck up a conversation with him about the campus’ beauty and perseverance.

After Reneau finished gathering flowers for the evening’s event – and charming that student – he carried the basket of roses to her car.

During their over-50-year relationship with Louisiana Tech University, the Reneaus have shared dates and long walks in the Quad, enjoying the red rose bushes that connect the Lady of the Mist with Howard Auditorium. It’s only natural when choosing an endowment project to commit their support to, the couple chose these rose beds.

“These roses are very special to both of us,” Dr. Reneau said. “The rose garden served as the site for many dates after we met on the Tech campus. We want to see the campus – and especially that part of campus – shine.”

Saturday, Oct. 19 at 9:30 a.m., Louisiana Tech will dedicate the Linda Digby Reneau Garden with a ceremony in honor of the University’s longest serving President and First Lady. The public is invited to the dedication event in the University Quad.

“Dan and Linda invested so much of themselves into Louisiana Tech and into the beautification of our campus,” said President Dr. Les Guice. “As we continue to create the ideal 21st Century Campus that will cultivate our students’ living and learning experiences, we are building upon the foundation the Reneaus established.”

The endowment established by the Reneaus will provide funds for perpetual maintenance of the Tech landscape. Their investment in the University will help create special experiences for members of the campus community for many years to come.

“Our campus is open for everyone to enjoy,” Reneau said. “This garden is a place for remembrance and admiration for us, and it provides a place of rest and focus for others.

“Every campus has its own culture and traditions, and we’ve always wanted to help create a campus that says, ‘I am an academic institution. I’m here for you – to help you learn how to think, to explore life, and to make that step up for your future.”

As Louisiana Tech nears the one-year mark for its Forever Loyal Campaign, said Brooks Hull, Vice President for University Advancement, supporters like the Reneaus continue to make a difference for the University they so fondly call home.

“Our University cannot begin to list all the contributions of Dr. and Mrs. Reneau,” Hull said. “Their support has been invaluable as we continue this campaign.”

Education, Reneau added, is the best investment an individual can make.

“To invest in young brains – and to teach them how to make a difference in the world – that’s one of the best ways we can think of to strengthen our region and state,” he said.